Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia, Tel Aviv Structure, Israeli Architecture, Images

Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia

Israeli Concrete Structure – design by Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

18 Sep 2015

Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia – Concrete Building

Design: Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

Location: Pardesia, Israel

The structure functions as a place of convergence of mourners and for the reading of eulogies prior to and during the burial. It’s essential nature is that of a pavilion or open sided shelter and is located next to the cemetery.

Open Sided Shelter

The building is comprised of two entrances, the smaller of the two serves the family of the deceased.


The second and larger entrance serves the rest of the mourners, this entry allows easy access to the spacious building. One side of the front of the building remains open to the north. The positioning of the structure also allows, those mourners who prefer to remain at a distance, a sense of closeness to the proceedings and a shaded area that is not inside the structure itself.

Open Sided Shelter

There are two exits leading to the burial lots, one of which is easily accessible and the other is via a flight of stairs.
The structure has one solid stone wall to the west which serves to block any direct afternoon sunlight except what is allowed through via a long narrow window.


The area in which the structure is situated was surrounded by orchards which were originally raised to make space for new residential and commercial building projects. During the design process we decided to take the surroundings into consideration By erecting a monument to the rural surroundings that were demolished for urban repurposing.


The monument consists of an exposed concrete slab symbolizing the expansion of construction. The slab is stabilized by tree-shaped metal pillars denoting the trees that were cut down. One oak tree remains within the structure. The ceiling above the tree was left open to allow for the presence of the tree to create a dialogue between the living tree and the metal symbols.

Open Sided Shelter

On the northern side of the building there is a line of concrete, beginning in the ground on the west side and climbing up through the window. Ascending to the roof, ceilings and walls and making its final decent back to the ground – like a man who comes from dust and to dust returns.

Open Sided Shelter

The building materials and color pallet are Monochromatic consisting mostly of shades of grays and providing a sense of cleanliness, neutrality and sadness.

Open Sided Shelter

During the evening the building is lit from the inside and out.


Plans and construction process:
The structure is designed using more than 300 panels of differing sizes and shapes and fitted together by computer software.

Open Sided Shelter

The panels were brought to the construction site and assembled by a team of contractors.
The metal ‘tree’ structures were brought to the site and assembled as per the design.
All iron works and structural designs were approved by engineers after which the walls were constructed by the remaining pallets. The concrete for the walls and roof was poured in one day.

Open Sided Shelter

Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia – Building Information

Location: Pardesia, Israel
Area: 3,465 ft2
Project Year: 2014-2015
Contractor: A.D. Haled

Photographs: Shai Epstein

Open Sided Shelter

Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia images / information from SO Architecture

Location: Pardesia, Israel, Middle East

Location: Israel, Middle East

Israel Architecture Designs

Contemporary Israel Architectural Selection

Israel Building Developments

Israel Architecture News

Israel Houses

Israeli Architect

Jerusalem Architecture Walking Tours

Israeli Architecture

Israeli Architecture – Selection

Tel Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Competition Winner
Tel Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
image Courtesy architecture office
Tel Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Competition

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design – New Campus, Jerusalem
SANAA with Nir Kutz Architects
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design

Observation tower on “Armon Hanatziv” walkway in Jerusalem
Design: Nir Ben Natan Architect
Observation Tower Jerusalem

Religious Buildings

Israel Architects

Comments / photos for the Open Sided Shelter in Pardesia page welcome

Website: Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design